U.S. patent application number 12/358299 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for screen for motorcycle.
Invention is credited to Takefumi Okubo, Haruka TSUDA.
Application Number | 20090195011 12/358299 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40379705 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090195011 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TSUDA; Haruka ; et
al. |
August 6, 2009 |
SCREEN FOR MOTORCYCLE
Abstract
A screen for a vehicle which allows air flow to flow
appropriately along a rear face of a wind screen having an
adjustable inclination angle. A baffle plate inclined toward the
rear direction of a vehicle body is provided between a cowling
which covers a front upper portion of the vehicle body and a
movable wind screen. The inclination angle of the baffle plate can
be adjusted so that air flow from between the cowling and the
movable wind screen flows along a rear face of the movable wind
screen.
Inventors: |
TSUDA; Haruka; (Saitama,
JP) ; Okubo; Takefumi; (Saitama, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
40379705 |
Appl. No.: |
12/358299 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/78.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 17/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/78.1 |
International
Class: |
B62J 17/02 20060101
B62J017/02; B62J 17/04 20060101 B62J017/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 5, 2008 |
JP |
2008-024746 |
Sep 16, 2008 |
JP |
2008-236185 |
Claims
1. A screen for a motorcycle including a cowling for covering a
front upper portion of a vehicle body and a movable wind screen
disposed in an inclined relationship toward the rear direction of
said vehicle body above said cowling and mounted such that the
inclination angle thereof can be adjusted, comprising: a baffle
plate inclined toward the rear direction of said vehicle body, said
baffle plate being provided between the cowling and said movable
wind screen, and the inclination angle of said baffle plate is
adjustable wherein an air flow from between said cowling and said
movable wind screen flows along a rear face of said movable wind
screen.
2. The screen for a motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the
inclination angle of said baffle plate is set to a large angle when
the inclination angle of said movable wind screen is large, but
when the inclination angle of said movable wind screen is small,
the inclination angle of said baffle plate is set to a small
angle.
3. The screen for a motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein said
baffle plate is connected to said movable wind screen, and a
connection mechanism for varying the inclination angle of said
baffle plate in response to the inclination angle of said movable
wind screen is provided.
4. The screen for a motorcycle according to claim 2, wherein said
baffle plate is connected to said movable wind screen, and a
connection mechanism for varying the inclination angle of said
baffle plate in response to the inclination angle of said movable
wind screen is provided.
5. The screen for a motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein said
baffle plate is connected for sliding movement to said cowling
while a state wherein a lower end thereof is positioned in the
proximity of the surface of said cowling is kept so that the air
flow flowing along the surface of said cowling permits flow toward
the rear direction of said vehicle body along a front face of said
baffle plate.
6. The screen for a motorcycle according to claim 2, wherein said
baffle plate is connected for sliding movement to said cowling
while a state wherein a lower end thereof is positioned in the
proximity of the surface of said cowling is kept so that the air
flow flowing along the surface of said cowling permits flow toward
the rear direction of said vehicle body along a front face of said
baffle plate.
7. The screen for a motorcycle according to claim 3, wherein said
baffle plate is connected for sliding movement to said cowling
while a state wherein a lower end thereof is positioned in the
proximity of the surface of said cowling is kept so that the air
flow flowing along the surface of said cowling permits flow toward
the rear direction of said vehicle body along a front face of said
baffle plate.
8. The screen for a motorcycle according to claim 4, wherein said
baffle plate is connected for sliding movement to said cowling
while a state wherein a lower end thereof is positioned in the
proximity of the surface of said cowling is kept so that the air
flow flowing along the surface of said cowling permits flow toward
the rear direction of said vehicle body along a front face of said
baffle plate.
9. The screen for a motorcycle according to claim 3, wherein the
connection mechanism includes a pair of left and right sub screen
holders secured to the wind screen with boss portions projecting
from an inner face thereof of movable element fixing side stays and
holders fitted to the boss portions and secured thereto for
pivotally motion relative thereto.
10. The screen for a motorcycle according to claim 3, wherein the
connection mechanism includes left and right guide arms mounted at
proximal ends for pivotal motion and extending rearwardly with
distal ends being connected to left and right projections formed on
the baffle plate for enabling an inclination angle of the baffle
plate.
11. A screen for a vehicle including a cowling for covering a front
upper portion of a vehicle body comprising: a movable wind screen
operatively positioned to be at an inclined relationship toward the
rear direction of said vehicle body above said cowling; adjustable
mounting means for selectively mounting the movable wind screen at
predetermined inclination angles relative to the cowling; a baffle
plate operatively positioned to be inclined toward the rear
direction of said vehicle body, said baffle plate being provided
between the cowling and said movable wind screen; and an
inclination angle of said baffle plate being adjustable wherein an
air flow from between said cowling and said movable wind screen
flows along a rear face of said movable wind screen.
12. The screen for a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the
inclination angle of said baffle plate is set to a large angle when
the inclination angle of said movable wind screen is large, but
when the inclination angle of said movable wind screen is small,
the inclination angle of said baffle plate is set to a small
angle.
13. The screen for a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein said
baffle plate is connected to said movable wind screen, and a
connection mechanism for varying the inclination angle of said
baffle plate in response to the inclination angle of said movable
wind screen is provided.
14. The screen for a vehicle according to claim 12, wherein said
baffle plate is connected to said movable wind screen, and a
connection mechanism for varying the inclination angle of said
baffle plate in response to the inclination angle of said movable
wind screen is provided.
15. The screen for a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein said
baffle plate is connected for sliding movement to said cowling
while a state wherein a lower end thereof is positioned in the
proximity of the surface of said cowling is kept so that the air
flow flowing along the surface of said cowling permits flow toward
the rear direction of said vehicle body along a front face of said
baffle plate.
16. The screen for a vehicle according to claim 12, wherein said
baffle plate is connected for sliding movement to said cowling
while a state wherein a lower end thereof is positioned in the
proximity of the surface of said cowling is kept so that the air
flow flowing along the surface of said cowling permits flow toward
the rear direction of said vehicle body along a front face of said
baffle plate.
17. The screen for a vehicle according to claim 13, wherein said
baffle plate is connected for sliding movement to said cowling
while a state wherein a lower end thereof is positioned in the
proximity of the surface of said cowling is kept so that the air
flow flowing along the surface of said cowling permits flow toward
the rear direction of said vehicle body along a front face of said
baffle plate.
18. The screen for a vehicle according to claim 14, wherein said
baffle plate is connected for sliding movement to said cowling
while a state wherein a lower end thereof is positioned in the
proximity of the surface of said cowling is kept so that the air
flow flowing along the surface of said cowling permits flow toward
the rear direction of said vehicle body along a front face of said
baffle plate.
19. The screen for a vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the
connection mechanism includes a pair of left and right sub screen
holders secured to the wind screen with boss portions projecting
from an inner face thereof of movable element fixing side stays and
holders fitted to the boss portions and secured thereto for
pivotally motion relative thereto.
20. The screen for a vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the
connection mechanism includes left and right guide arms mounted at
proximal ends for pivotal motion and extending rearwardly with
distal ends being connected to left and right projections formed on
the baffle plate for enabling an inclination angle of the baffle
plate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119 to
Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-024746 filed on Feb. 5, 2008
and Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-236185 filed on Sep. 16,
2008 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A screen for a motorcycle which includes a wind screen
having an adjustable inclination angle.
DESCRIPTION OF BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Motorcycle are known that include a movable wind screen
having an adjustable height on a cowling which covers a front upper
portion of a vehicle body. Some movable wind screens of this type
have an inclination angle which is adjusted in an interlocked
relationship with adjustment of the height. See, for example,
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-81160.
[0004] However, in the conventional configuration, if the wind
screen is configured for adjustment to a higher position, at a
higher position of the wind screen, the wind screen is spaced away
from the cowling. In addition, the inclination angle thereof
approaches the vertical direction. Although the air flow from
between the cowling and the wind screen flows along the surface of
the cowling, the probability occurs that the air flow may not
sufficiently flow to the rear face of the wind screen. If the air
flow does not sufficiently flow to the rear face of the wind
screen, then the space between the wind screen and the driver is
placed into a negative pressure state and the air flow is sucked
toward the rear of the wind screen, resulting in a deterioration of
the driving feeling of the driver.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to
provide a screen for a motorcycle which allows air flow to flow
appropriately along a rear face of a wind screen having an
adjustable inclination angle.
[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a screen for a motorcycle which includes a cowling for
covering a front upper portion of a vehicle body and a movable wind
screen disposed in an inclined relationship toward the rear
direction of the vehicle body above the cowling and mounted such
that the inclination angle thereof can be adjusted. A baffle plate,
inclined toward the rear direction of the vehicle body, is provided
between the cowling and the movable wind screen. The inclination
angle of the baffle plate can be adjusted so that air flow from
between the cowling and the movable wind screen flows along a rear
face of the movable wind screen.
[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, since the baffle
plate, inclined toward the rear direction of the vehicle body, is
provided between the cowling and the movable wind screen and the
inclination angle of the baffle plate can be adjusted so that air
flow from between the cowling and the movable wind screen flows
along the rear face of the movable wind screen, the air flow can be
let flow appropriately along the rear face of the movable wind
screen.
[0008] In the configuration described above, preferably the
inclination angle of the baffle plate is set to a large angle when
the inclination angle of the movable wind screen is large, but when
the inclination angle of the movable wind screen is small, the
inclination angle of the baffle plate is set to a small angle. With
this configuration, the inclination angle of the baffle plate and
the inclination angle of the movable wind screen can be made
substantially equal to each other, and the air flow can flow along
the rear face of the movable wind screen.
[0009] In the configuration described above, the screen for a
motorcycle may be configured such that the baffle plate is
connected to the movable wind screen, and a connection mechanism
which varies the inclination angle of the baffle plate in response
to the inclination angle of the movable wind screen is provided.
With this configuration, since the connection mechanism which
connects the baffle plate to the movable wind screen varies the
inclination angle of the baffle plate in response to the
inclination angle of the movable wind screen, a configuration for
causing the baffle plate to interlock with the movable wind screen
can be simplified.
[0010] Further, in the configuration described above, the baffle
plate may be connected for sliding movement to the cowling while a
state wherein a lower end thereof is positioned in the proximity of
the surface of the cowling is kept so that the air flow flowing
along the surface of the cowling flows toward the rear direction of
the vehicle body along a front face of the baffle plate. With this
configuration, the air flow flowing along the surface of the
cowling can be introduced efficiently to the front face of the
baffle plate.
[0011] Further, in the configuration described above, the
connection mechanism may include a connection member connected to
the baffle plate to vary the inclination angle of the baffle plate
in response to the inclination angle of the movable wind screen,
the connection member being disposed below the baffle plate. With
this configuration, since the connection member is disposed below
the baffle plate, the connection member does not disturb flow of
the air flow from between the movable wind screen and the baffle
plate. Therefore, the air flow can flow more smoothly along the
front face of the baffle plate. Thus, a reduction in the air
resistance and a reduction of the wind noise can be achieved.
[0012] In this instance, the connection member may include a guide
arm extending along the forward and backward direction below the
baffle plate, the guide arm being rocked upwardly and downwardly in
response to movement of a stay connected to the movable wind screen
such that the inclination angle of the baffle plate is varied by
the upward or downward rocking motion of the guide arm. With this
configuration, since the guide arm extending along the forward and
backward direction below the baffle plate is rocked upwardly or
downwardly to vary the inclination angle of the baffle plate, the
guide arm does not disturb the air flow from between the movable
wind screen and the baffle plate. Thus, the air flow can flow
smoothly along the front face of the baffle plate.
[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the baffle plate
inclined toward the rear direction of the vehicle body is provided
between the cowling and the movable wind screen and the inclination
angle of the baffle plate can be adjusted so that air flow from
between the cowling and the movable wind screen flows along the
rear face of the movable wind screen. Therefore, the air flow can
permit an flow appropriately along the rear face of the movable
wind screen.
[0014] Further, the inclination angle of the baffle plate is set to
a large angle when the inclination angle of the movable wind screen
is large, but when the inclination angle of the movable wind screen
is small, the inclination angle of the baffle plate is set to a
small angle. Therefore, the inclination angle of the baffle plate
and the inclination angle of the movable wind screen can be made
substantially equal to each other such that the air flow can be let
flow along the rear face of the movable wind screen.
[0015] Further, the connection mechanism which connects the baffle
plate to the movable wind screen varies the inclination angle of
the baffle plate in response to the inclination angle of the
movable wind screen. Therefore, a configuration for causing the
baffle plate to interlock with the movable wind screen can be
simplified.
[0016] Further, the baffle plate is connected for sliding movement
to the cowling while a state wherein a lower end thereof is
positioned in the proximity of the surface of the cowling is kept
so that the air flow flowing along the surface of the cowling
permits the flow toward the rear direction of the vehicle body
along the front face of the baffle plate. Therefore, the air flow
flowing along the surface of the cowling can be introduced
efficiently to the front face of the baffle plate.
[0017] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are
not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a front portion of a
motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a wind screen moved to
a Hi position;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing the wind screen
together with a moving mechanism;
[0022] FIG. 4(a) is a view showing a mechanism section when the
wind screen is at a Lo position, and FIG. 4(b) is a view showing
the mechanism section when the wind screen is at the Hi
position;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a sub screen
together with peripheral elements;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating movement of the wind screen
and the sub screen;
[0025] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a screen
for a motorcycle according to a second embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a connection
structure of a wind screen;
[0027] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a sub screen
holder together with peripheral elements;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating movement of the wind screen
and the sub screen;
[0029] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a screen for
a motorcycle according to a third embodiment together with
peripheral elements;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a side elevational sectional view of a screen for
a motorcycle; and
[0031] FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of
FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] In the following, embodiments of the present invention are
described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be
noted that indications regarding the direction such as forward,
backward, leftward, rightward, upward and downward directions are
given in accordance with directions as viewed from the driver who
drives the vehicle body.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a front portion of a
motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] The motorcycle includes an upper cowling 41 which covers a
front upper portion of a vehicle body, and a headlamp 50 disposed
at a front portion of the upper cowling 41. A wind screen 51 is
formed from a transparent resin material and is disposed at a front
upper portion of the upper cowling 41.
[0035] The upper cowling 41 is formed in a streamlined shape
wherein it expands smoothly in a vehicle widthwise direction and an
upward and downward direction toward the rear direction of the
vehicle body such that air flow from forwardly of the vehicle body
is rectified and flows around the driver without directly coming to
the driver, and the wind screen 51 is formed in a substantially to
be trapezoidal shape wherein the width thereof decreases toward the
upward direction. This wind screen 51 is formed as a movable wind
screen whose height and inclination angle can be adjusted by a
moving mechanism 90 hereinafter described. FIG. 1 shows the wind
screen 51 in a state wherein it is moved to a low position (Lo
position) and FIG. 2 shows the wind screen 51 in another state
wherein it is moved to a high position (Hi position).
[0036] Where the wind screen 51 is moved to the Hi position as
shown in FIG. 2, it can exhibit a high wind protection effect
suitable for high speed traveling (effect of reducing the wind
pressure to the driver and wind noise and rectifying flows of air).
On the other hand, where the wind screen 51 is moved to the Lo
position as seen in FIG. 1, the effect can be adjusted to the wind
protection effect that the driver feels an appropriate wind
pressure suitable for middle or low speed traveling, and the
agreeability upon traveling can be enhanced.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing the wind screen 51
together with the moving mechanism 90, and the wind screen 51 at
the Lo position is indicated by solid lines, and the wind screen 51
at the Hi position (wind screen 51' and so forth) is indicated by
alternate long and two short dashes lines.
[0038] Meanwhile, FIG. 4(a) is a view showing the mechanism section
when the wind screen 51 is at the Lo position, and FIG. 4(b) is a
view showing the mechanism section when the wind screen 51 at the
Hi position. It is to be noted that, in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), a sub
screen 20 hereinafter described is omitted.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the wind screen 51 is disposed in an
inclined relationship toward the rear direction of the vehicle body
and is disposed for upward and downward movement while the
inclination angle thereof is varied along the direction of an arrow
mark y in which it is swollen a little toward the rear direction of
the vehicle body as viewed in side elevation by the moving
mechanism 90.
[0040] The moving mechanism 90 for moving the wind screen 51 along
the direction of the arrow mark y includes a guide element (also
called adjust rail) 91 mounted on the upper cowling 41 and
extending in the direction of the arrow mark y, a movable element
92 supported for movement on the guide element 91, and a connection
element 94 for connecting the wind screen 51 and the movable
element 92 to each other.
[0041] A pair of guide elements 91 are provided and are supported
on the inner side of the upper cowling 41, and the movable element
92 supported for sliding movement on the guide elements 91 is
connected to an electric motor not shown disposed in the inner side
of the upper cowling 41 through a push cable 96 such that it is
moved in the upward and downward directions under the guidance of
the guide elements 91 by driving of the electric motor.
[0042] The connection element 94 which connects the wind screen 51
and the movable element 92 to each other has a movable element
fixing side stay (movable element fixing side member) 97 fixed to
the movable element 92 and extending substantially in the direction
indicated by the arrow mark y (inclined direction), and a screen
fixing side stay (screen fixing side member) 98 fixed to the wind
screen 51.
[0043] The movable element fixing side stay 97 of a substantially
long plate-like shape includes a hole portion 99 and a cutaway
portion 100 formed at a lower end side (vehicle body front side)
and fixed to the movable element 92 by a fastening member such as a
screw as seen in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), and a first projection
(fixing portion) 101 and a second projection (fixing portion) 102
provided at predetermined distances in the longitudinal direction
of the movable element fixing side stay 97. Of the projections, the
first projection 101 is formed at a substantially central portion
in the longitudinal direction of the movable element fixing side
stay 97, and the second projection 102 is formed on an upper end
side (vehicle body rear side) of the movable element fixing side
stay 97. Since the movable element fixing side stay 97 is secured
to the movable element 92 through the hole portion 99 and the
cutaway portion 100, it moves together with movement of the movable
element 92.
[0044] Meanwhile, the screen fixing side stay 98 has a first face
103 formed on a plate-like member of a substantially L shape as
viewed on a section and connecting to the movable element fixing
side stay 97, and a second face 104 connecting to the wind screen
51. On the first face 103 of the screen fixing side stay 98, an
elongated hole portion 105 provided from a central portion in the
longitudinal direction to the lower end side, a first recessed
portion 106 cut away at a central portion of an end edge of the
first face 103 and a second recessed portion 107 cut away on the
end edge upper end side (vehicle body rear side) of the first face
103 are formed.
[0045] Meanwhile, the first recessed portion 106 and the second
recessed portion 107 have locking portions 106A and 107A cut out
toward the upper end side, respectively. And, the first and second
recessed portions 106 and 107 having the locking portions 106A and
107A are engageable with the first and second projections 101 and
102 of the movable element fixing side stay 97, respectively.
Further, the elongated hole portion 105 of the screen fixing side
stay 98 is engageable with the first and second projections 101 and
102 of the movable element fixing side stay 97.
[0046] Meanwhile, on the second face 104 of the screen fixing side
stay 98, an elongated hole portion 108 formed substantially at a
central portion in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of
(totaling three) hole portions 109 formed on the opposite sides of
the elongated hole portion 108. Then, if the second face 104 of the
screen fixing side stay 98 and the wind screen 51 are brought into
contact with each other and the screen fixing side stay 98 and the
wind screen 51 are connected to each other using fastening members
110 such as a screw through the elongated hole portion 108 and the
hole portions 109 formed on the second face 104 of the screen
fixing side stay 98 as shown in FIG. 3, then the screen fixing side
stay 98 and the wind screen 51 are fixed to each other.
[0047] Here, as seen in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the screen fixing side
stay 98 can be fixed at two different positions in the longitudinal
direction (direction of the arrow mark y, inclination direction) to
the movable element fixing side stay 97. In order to fix the screen
fixing side stay 98 at the Lo position (refer to FIG. 4(A)) to the
movable element fixing side stay 97, the first projection 101 of
the movable element fixing side stay 97 is engaged with the upper
end side of the elongated hole portion 105 of the screen fixing
side stay 98 and the second projection 102 of the movable element
fixing side stay 97 is engaged with the locking portion 107A of the
second recessed portion 107 of the screen fixing side stay 98. At
this time, the first recessed portion 106 of the screen fixing side
stay 98 does not engage with anything.
[0048] On the other hand, in order to fix the screen fixing side
stay 98 at the Hi position (refer to FIG. 4(B)) to the movable
element fixing side stay 97, the first projection 101 of the
movable element fixing side stay 97 is engaged with the lower end
side of the elongated hole portion 105 of the screen fixing side
stay 97 and the second projection 102 of the movable element fixing
side stay 97 is engaged with the locking portion 106A of the first
recessed portion 106 of the screen fixing side stay 98. At this
time, the second recessed portion 107 of the screen fixing side
stay 98 does not engage with anything.
[0049] In this manner, the movable element fixing side stay 97 has
the first projection 101 and the second projection 102 which can
fix the screen fixing side stay 98 at two different positions
substantially in the inclination direction to the movable element
fixing side stay 97.
[0050] It is to be noted that this wind screen 51 is moved upwardly
and downwardly in response to an operation of an operation switch
(not shown) provided on the handle bar or the like of the
motorcycle. In the present embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 3, 4(a) and
4(b), since the guide elements 91 is formed in a bow shape in which
it is swollen a little toward the rear direction of the vehicle
body, the wind screen 51 moved upwardly does not move in a
direction in which it coincides fully with the inclination
direction, but moves such that the upper end thereof is directed a
little to the forward direction (that is, so that an upwardly
erected state may be established) together with the upward
movement, and the wind screen 51 moved downwardly is inclined
toward the rear direction of the vehicle body together with the
downward movement.
[0051] In the present configuration, a sub screen (baffle plate) 20
which is inclined toward the rear direction of the vehicle body is
disposed between the upper cowling 41 and the wind screen 51 as
seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. This sub screen 20 is formed such that the
vertical length thereof is smaller than that of the wind screen 51
and the width thereof is greater than a maximum width of the wind
screen 51 so that the wind pressure to the shoulder portions of the
driver may be reduced. Further, the sub screen 20 is entirely
formed as a unitary member from a transparent resin material in
order to assure the forward sight.
[0052] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the sub
screen 20 together with peripheral elements.
[0053] The sub screen 20 includes a pair of left and right shaft
fitting portions 21A, 21A provided at a lower end central portion
21 thereof so as to project to the rear face side, and the shaft
fitting portions 21A, 21A are inserted into a pair of left and
right hole portions 25A, 25A provided on a visor 25 which forms a
lid for a recessed portion 41A formed at a front upper portion of
the upper cowling 41. This visor 25 is fitted in the upper cowling
41 to form part of a surface member of the upper cowling 41, and a
pair of left and right bearing portions 25B, 25B having holes
communicating with holes of the shaft fitting portions 21A, 21A
project on the reverse side of the visor 25. A single shaft 26 is
fitted in the holes and the shaft 26 is prevented from coming off
and connect the sub screen 20 and the visor 25 to each other. It is
to be noted that, a locking portion locks the visor 25 to the upper
cowling 41.
[0054] According to this connection structure, since a portion near
to a lower end of the sub screen 20 is connected for sliding
movement to the upper cowling 41 by means of a shaft, the sub
screen 20 is connected for rocking motion to the upper cowling 41
while it keeps a state wherein the lower end thereof is positioned
in the proximity of the surface of the upper cowling 41. Therefore,
air flow flowing along the surface of the upper cowling 41 can be
guided efficiently to the front face of the sub screen 20 and can
flow to the rear direction of the vehicle body along the front face
of the sub screen 20.
[0055] On the left and right sides of the lower end central portion
21 of the sub screen 20, escape portions 21B, 21B which form gaps
with respect to the upper cowling 41 are formed as seen in FIG. 5.
Those escape portions 21B, 21B are provided to introduce part of
the air flow flowing along the surface of the upper cowling 41 to
the rear of the sub screen 20. Therefore, part of the air flow can
flow toward the driver on the rear side of the upper cowling 41,
and the amount of the air flow flowing along the front face of the
sub screen 20 can be adjusted appropriately.
[0056] The left and right end portions 20L, 20R of the sub screen
20 are curved a little toward a front upper portion of the vehicle
body such that air flow from a forward direction of the vehicle
body can flow to the obliquely upward side toward the rear
direction of the vehicle body by the left and right end portions
20L, 20R of the sub screen 20. Therefore, in comparison with an
alternative configuration wherein the left and right end portions
20L, 20R of the sub screen 20 are not curved, part of the air flow
can be introduced toward the upward direction above the shoulders
of the driver to appropriately reduce the wind pressure to the
shoulder portions of the driver.
[0057] Further, in the present configuration, a connection
mechanism 30 which forms the connection element 94 for connecting
the sub screen 20 to the wind screen 51 is provided. This
connection mechanism 30 functions also as an inclination angle
variation mechanism for varying the inclination angle of the sub
screen 20 in response to the inclination angle of the wind screen
51.
[0058] More particularly, the connection mechanism 30 has a pair of
left and right sub screen connecting stays (baffle plate connecting
stays) 31 for connecting the movable element fixing side stay 97,
which connects the wind screen 51 and the movable element 92 to
each other, and the sub screen 20 to each other.
[0059] Each of the sub screen connecting stays 31 includes a stay
body 31A having an elongated hole portion 31C extending
substantially obliquely upwards toward the rear direction of the
vehicle body, and a bent plate portion 31B bent from a lower edge
of the stay body 31A. The bent plate portion 31B is fixed to the
sub screen 20 by means of a fastening member such as a screw to fix
the stay body 31A in an uprightly erected state from the sub screen
20.
[0060] To the elongated hole portion 31C of the stay body 31A, a
collar body 33 having a large diameter portion on one end side and
a receiving member 34 which forms a large diameter portion on the
other end side, which form a cylindrical collar 32 having large
diameter portions for preventing the removal at the opposite ends
thereof are inserted from the opposite left and right sides of and
connected to the elongated hole portion 31C. The cylindrical collar
32 is mounted for sliding movement along the elongated hole portion
31C. In the cylindrical collar 32, a pin 97A which projects to the
inner side of the vehicle body from the movable element fixing side
stay 97 is fitted, and a nut 35 is fastened to the end portion of
the pin 97A projecting from the cylindrical collar 32 to prevent
the removal of the pin 97A. Since the pin 97A is mounted for
sliding movement in the elongated hole portion 31C of the stay body
31A through the cylindrical collar 32, the sliding resistance can
be reduced low by using a material having a low coefficient of
friction for the cylindrical collar 32.
[0061] According to this configuration, when the wind screen 51
moves from the Lo position (indicated by solid lines in FIG. 6) to
the Hi position (indicated by alternate long and two short dashes
lines in FIG. 6) as seen in FIG. 6, the pin 97A of the movable
element fixing side stay 97 moves in the rearwardly obliquely
upward direction (rearward direction along the direction indicated
by the arrow mark y) integrally with the wind screen 51 (97', 97A'
in FIG. 6). Therefore, while the pin 97A moves to the rear side of
the vehicle body within the elongated hole portion 31C of the sub
screen connecting stay 31, it erects the sub screen connecting stay
31 uprightly around the center of rocking motion (corresponding to
the axis of the shaft 26 (refer to FIG. 5)) (31' in FIG. 6).
Together with the upright erection of the sub screen connecting
stay 31, also the sub screen 20 to which the sub screen connecting
stay 31 is fixed is erected uprightly (20' in FIG. 6) and the
inclination angle of the sub screen 20 increases (indicated by
alternate long and two short dashes lines in FIG. 6). In other
words, the inclination angle of the sub screen 20 is adjusted to a
large angle when the inclination angle of the wind screen 51 is
large. It is to be noted that a meter unit 55 is disposed in a
space rearwardly of the upper cowling 41.
[0062] On the other hand, where the wind screen 51 moves from the
Hi position (indicated by alternate long and two short dashes lines
in FIG. 6) to the Lo position (indicated by solid lines in FIG. 6),
since the pin 97A of the movable element fixing side stay 97 moves
in the forwardly obliquely downward direction (forward direction
along the direction indicated by the arrow mark y) as seen in FIG.
1, while the pin 97A moves to the front side in the elongated hole
portion 31C of the sub screen connecting stay 31, it lays the sub
screen connecting stay 31 down to decrease the inclination angle of
the sub screen 20 to which the sub screen connecting stay 31 is
fixed (indicated by solid lines in FIG. 6). In other words, when
the inclination angle of the wind screen 51 is small, the
inclination angle of the sub screen 20 is adjusted to a small
angle.
[0063] The connection mechanism 30 described above automatically
changes the inclination angle of the sub screen 20 in an
interlocking relationship with the inclination angle of the wind
screen 51 in this manner. Further, in the present configuration,
the connection mechanism 30 is configured such that the inclination
angle of the sub screen 20 is adjusted to an angle which
substantially coincides with the inclination angle of the wind
screen 51 as seen in FIG. 6.
[0064] Therefore, at whichever one of the Lo position and the Hi
position the wind screen 51 is positioned, or even if the wind
screen 51 is positioned at an intermediate position between them,
air flow from between the upper cowling 41 and the wind screen 51
can be let flow along the rear face of the wind screen 51 by the
sub screen 20. Accordingly, the space between the wind screen 51
and the driver is prevented from being placed into a negative
pressure state.
[0065] As described above, according to the present embodiment,
since the sub screen 20 which is inclined toward the rear direction
of the vehicle body is provided between the upper cowling 41 and
the wind screen 51 and the sub screen 20 is configured such that
the inclination angle thereof can be adjusted so that air flow from
between the upper cowling 41 and the wind screen 51 can flow along
the rear face of the wind screen 51 by the sub screen 20, even if
the inclination angle of the wind screen 51 is changed, the air
flow can always flow along the rear face of the wind screen 51.
[0066] Consequently, the situation wherein the space between the
wind screen 51 and the driver is placed into a negative pressure
state can be prevented without limiting the inclination angle or
the height of the wind screen 51 of the movable type. Thus, for
example, a specification change such as to configure the wind
screen 51 for adjustment to a higher position can be readily
carried out.
[0067] Since the connection mechanism 30 which connects the sub
screen 20 and the wind screen 51 to each other varies the
inclination angle of the sub screen 20 in response to the
inclination angle of the wind screen 51, in comparison with an
alternative case wherein the individual inclination angles of the
wind screen 51 and the sub screen 20 are varied by separate
mechanisms, simplification of the configuration such as a reduction
in the number of parts is possible. In addition, it is possible to
readily adjust the inclination angle of the sub screen 20 to the
inclination angle of the wind screen 51.
[0068] Further, since the sub screen 20 is connected for rocking
motion to the upper cowling 41 while a state wherein the lower end
thereof is positioned in the proximity of the surface of the upper
cowling 41 is maintained, a quantity of air flow flowing along the
surface of the upper cowling 41 can be introduced efficiently to
the front face of the sub screen 20, and sufficient air flow can
flow readily along the rear face of the wind screen 51.
[0069] Further, since the sub screen 20 is formed with a width
greater than that of the wind screen 51, rectification of the air
flow and reduction of the wind pressure to the driver can be
carried out by both of the wind screen 51 and the sub screen 20.
Therefore, the rectification effect and the windbreak effect can be
improved. Even in the case where the specifications change such as
to configure the wind screen 51 to be decreased in width, the
rectification effect and the windbreak effect can be secured
sufficiently by the sub screen 20, and also the degree of freedom
in planning and the degree of freedom in design of the wind screen
51 can be improved.
[0070] FIGS. 7 to 10 show a screen for a motorcycle according to a
second embodiment.
[0071] In the second embodiment, the connection mechanism 30 which
connects the sub screen 20 to the wind screen 51 includes a pair of
left and right sub screen holders (hereinafter referred to as
holders) 150 provided on the wind screen 51 side, and the sub
screen 20 is connected to the wind screen 51 through the holders
150 as seen in FIG. 7.
[0072] More particularly, a pair of left and right movable element
fixing side stays 97 are attached to the wind screen 51 as shown in
FIG. 7. Boss portions 97B which project from the inner side faces
are provided individually on the movable element fixing side stays
97, and the holders 150 are fitted on the boss portions 97B and
screws 151 are tightened. In this instance, the holders 150 are
supported for pivotal motion (for tilting motion) around the boss
portions 97B respectively.
[0073] Support plates 153 of a substantially L-shaped section are
secured to the pair of left and right movable element fixing side
stays 97 through first projections 101 and second projections 102
by nuts 101A and 102B, respectively as seen in FIG. 8. The wind
screen 51 is fixed to the pair of left and right support plates 153
by means of a plurality of bolts 155, and the wind screen 51 and
the movable element fixing side stays 97 are connected integrally
thereby. It is to be noted that the connection structure is same as
that in the first embodiment.
[0074] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the holder
150 together with peripheral elements. The holder 150 is formed
from a pair of left and right holder elements 161 and 162 connected
to each other by bolts 153. A groove portion 165 into and from
which a pair of left and right sub screen connecting stays 31
provided on the sub screen 20 can be advanced and retracted is
provided between the holder elements 161 and 162. A plurality of
(three in the present example) rolling members 171, 172 and 173 are
supported for rotation on the inner side of the groove portion 165.
It is to be noted that, in FIG. 9, a bearing portion 161A is
provided for supporting the boss portions 97B of the movable
element fixing side stays 97 for pivotal motion, and a hole portion
162A is provided in which an end portion of the bearing portion
161A is fitted.
[0075] The rolling members 171 to 173 include a plurality of (two
in the example) first rolling members 171 and 172 fitted in the
elongated hole portion 31C formed in the sub screen connecting stay
31, and a second rolling member 173 which contacts with an upper
face 31D of the sub screen connecting stay 31. The first rolling
members 171 and 172 are supported for rotation on shaft portions
166 and 167 which project from the holder element 161, and the
second rolling member 173 is supported for rotation on the holder
element 161 through a biasing member 175.
[0076] Where the holder 150 is mounted on the sub screen connecting
stay 31, the pair of left and right holder elements 161 and 162 are
connected in such a manner as to sandwich the sub screen connecting
stay 31 from the left and right. In this instance, the first
rolling members 171 and 172 are inserted in the elongated hole
portion 31C extending along the longitudinal direction of the sub
screen connecting stay 31 and connect the holder 150 and the sub
screen connecting stay 31 through the first rolling members 171 and
172.
[0077] The biasing member 175 biases the second rolling member 173
such that, when the holder 150 and the sub screen connecting stay
31 are connected to each other, the second rolling member 173 is
pressed against the upper face 31D which extends in the
longitudinal direction of the sub screen connecting stay 31, and is
formed by bending a spring wire member in such a manner as seen in
FIG. 9.
[0078] By the biasing member 175, the second rolling member 173 is
pressed against the upper face 31D of the sub screen connecting
stay 31, and by this reactive force, the first rolling members 171
and 172 are pressed against an upper side inner face 31E of the
elongated hole portion 31C of the sub screen connecting stay 31. In
particular, the sub screen connecting stay 31 is sandwiched from
above and below by the first rolling members 171 and 172 and the
second rolling member 173 as shown in FIG. 10. Therefore, the
connection strength between the holder 150 and the sub screen
connecting stay 31 is assured sufficiently, and the holder 150 can
be slidably moved along the sub screen connecting stay 31 through
the rolling members 171 to 173. Upon such sliding movement, since
the rolling members 171 to 173 roll, the sliding resistance can be
reduced.
[0079] According to this configuration, when the wind screen 51 is
at the Lo position (indicated by solid lines in FIG. 10), the
holder 150 is positioned on the front side of the sub screen
connecting stay 31 as seen in FIG. 10, and at this position, the
sub screen 20 is kept in a state wherein the inclination angle is
small similarly to the wind screen 51.
[0080] On the other hand, if the wind screen 51 moves from the Lo
position to the Hi position (indicated by alternate long and two
short dashes lines in FIG. 10), then the holder 150 (150' in FIG.
10) moves to the rearwardly obliquely upward direction (direction
in which the guide elements 91 extends) of the vehicle body
integrally with the wind screen 51 (51' in FIG. 10). Therefore,
while the holder 150 moves toward the rear side of the vehicle body
within the elongated hole portion 31C of the sub screen connecting
stay 31 (31' in FIG. 10), it uprightly erects the sub screen
connecting stay 31 around the center of rocking motion
(corresponding to the axis of the shaft 26 (refer to FIG. 7)).
Together with the upright erection of the sub screen connecting
stay 31, also the sub screen 20 (20' in FIG. 10) to which the sub
screen connecting stay 31 is fixed is erected uprightly and the
inclination angle of the sub screen 20 increases. By this, the
inclination angle of the wind screen 51 and the inclination angle
of the sub screen 20 can be normally kept to the same angle
similarly as in the first embodiment.
[0081] According to the present embodiment, the connection
mechanism 30 includes the sub screen connecting stay 31 provided on
the sub screen 20 and extending in the forward and backward
direction of the vehicle body and further includes the sub screen
holder 150 provided on the wind screen 51 and holding the stay 31
for sliding movement along the sub screen connecting stay 31.
Therefore, in comparison with an alternative case wherein the
inclination angles of the wind screen 51 and the sub screen 20 are
changed by separate mechanisms from each other, the inclination
angles of the wind screen 51 and the sub screen 20 can be normally
kept to the same angle by a simple configuration.
[0082] Further, in the present embodiment, since the sub screen
holder 150 slidably moves on the sub screen connecting stay 31
through the plurality of rolling members 171 to 173, the sliding
resistance can be reduced.
[0083] FIGS. 11 to 13 show a screen of a motorcycle according to a
third embodiment. Here, FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view
showing the screen together with peripheral elements, FIG. 12 is a
side sectional view of the screen, and FIG. 13 is a sectional view
taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12.
[0084] In the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1I and 12, a pair
of left and right guide arms 181, 181 extending along the forward
and backward direction below the sub screen 20 are provided, and a
mechanism for varying the inclination angle of the sub screen 20 in
response to movement of the wind screen 51, that is, the connection
mechanism 30 for connecting the sub screen 20 to the wind screen
51, is formed from the guide arms 181, 181.
[0085] More particularly, the pair of left and right guide arms
181, 181 are formed from plate-formed members of a substantially
L-shaped sectional shape wherein vertical plate portions 181A, 181A
mounted at end portions thereof for pivotal motion on side faces of
the pair of left and right guide elements 91, 91 and extending
rearwardly and bent plate portions 181B, 181B bent to the inner
side along lower edges of the vertical plate portions 181A, 181A
are provided integrally. It is to be noted that the bent plate
portion 181B is not formed at a front end and a rear end of the
vertical plate portion 181A but is formed only between the front
and the rear end.
[0086] The front ends of the vertical plate portions 181A, 181A are
mounted for pivotal motion on side faces of the pair of left and
right guide elements 91, 91 through bolts 191 and collars 192
respectively. Consequently, the left and right guide arms 181, 181
are supported for pivotal motion around an axis of the bolts 191
extending in the vehicle widthwise direction on the guide elements
91, 91. Here, the collars 192 are formed from a low friction
material and are disposed between the guide arms 181 and the guide
elements 91 to reduce the sliding resistance upon pivotal motion of
the guide arms 181.
[0087] Meanwhile, the vertical plate portions 181A, 181A are
connected at the rear end thereof to a pair of left and right
downward projections 22A, 22A of the sub screen 20 through a pair
of left and right arms 193, 193. More particularly, the pair of
left and right arms 193, 193 are connected at one end (lower end)
thereof to the rear ends of the vertical plate portions 181A, 181A
individually by pins 194, 194, and are connected at the other end
(upper end) thereof to the downward projections 22A, 22A of the sub
screen 20 individually by pins 195, 195. It is to be noted that, in
FIGS. 11 and 12 a snap ring 196 is provided (for example, E-shaped
snap ring (so-called E ring)) for fastening the pins 194, 195 used
for pin-connection of the arms 193.
[0088] A pair of left and right movable element fixing side stays
97, 97 connected to the wind screen 51 are connected to movable
elements 92, 92 disposed on the inner side of the pair of left and
right guide elements 91 by a pair of front and rear bolts 197, 197.
In particular, movable element fixing side stays 97 and guide arms
181 are separately disposed on the inner side and the outer side of
the guide elements 91 thereby to achieve a configuration which does
not require a separate provision of mounting portions for the parts
(movable element fixing side stays 97 and guide arms 181).
[0089] Holders (guide arm holders) 97C, 97C which extend to the
outside in the vehicle widthwise direction of the stays 97, 97 for
holding the pair of left and right guide arms 181, 181 are
individually provided on the movable element fixing side stays 97.
As shown in FIG. 13, the holders 97C, 97C include plate-formed
members on which stay fixing portions 97D, 97D fixed by welding to
the movable element fixing side stays 97 and bent plate portions
97E, 97E bent in a substantially L shape from the movable element
fixing side stays 97 are provided integrally. A pair of upper and
lower sliders 201 and 202 for holding the guide arms 181, 181 from
above and below are mounted on the bent plate portions 97E, 97E,
and the sliding resistance with the guide arms 181, 181 is reduced
by the sliders 201 and 202 to support the guide arms 181, 181 for
sliding movement.
[0090] Since the left and right guide arms 181, 181 are supported
for sliding movement on the holders 97C, 97C which move integrally
with the left and right movable element fixing side stays 97, 97,
if the movable element fixing side stays 97, 97 are moved upwardly
and downwardly along the guide elements 91, 91, then the left and
right guide arms 181, 181 supported on the holders 97C, 97C of the
movable element fixing side stays 97, 97 are rocked upwardly and
downwardly with reference to an end thereof (axis of the bolts
191). Therefore, the rear ends of the guide arms 181, 181 move
upwardly and downwardly to move a rear portion of the sub screen 20
upwardly and downwardly through the arms 193, 193, whereby the sub
screen 20 can be tilted around the shaft 26 (refer to FIG. 5 or 7)
extending through the shaft fitting portions 21A, 21A provided at
the front portion of the sub screen 20 to vary the inclination
angle.
[0091] Accordingly, if the movable element fixing side stays 97 are
moved to vary the inclination angle of the wind screen 51, then the
guide arms 181, 181 are rocked in response to the movement of the
stays 97 to vary the inclination angle of the sub screen 20, and
the inclination angle of the wind screen 51 and the inclination
angle of the sub screen 20 can be held at a substantially equal
angle similarly as in the first embodiment.
[0092] As described above, according to the present embodiment,
since the connection mechanism 30 which includes the guide arms
181, 181 extending along the forward and backward direction below
the wind screen 51 and rocks the guide arms 181, 181 upwardly and
downwardly in response to movement of the movable element fixing
side stays 97 connected to the wind screen 51 to vary the
inclination angle of the sub screen 20 by the upward and downward
movement of the guide arms 181, 181 is configured, various parts
which compose the connection mechanism 30 can be disposed below the
sub screen 20.
[0093] Accordingly, in addition to effects similar to those of the
first and second embodiments, since there is no necessity to
dispose the sub screen connecting stay 31 and so forth above the
sub screen 20, parts of the type described do not disturb the flow
of the air from between the upper cowling 41 and the wind screen
51, and the air flow can flow more smoothly along the front face of
the sub screen 20. Thus, a reduction of the air resistance and a
reduction of wind noise can be achieved.
[0094] Further, in the connection mechanism 30 of the present
configuration, the left and right guide arms 181, 181 are connected
to the sub screen 20 through the arms 193, 193 thereby to configure
a link mechanism for appropriately tilting the sub screen 20 in
response to upward or downward movement of the guide arms 181, 181.
In other words, by adjusting the mounting position and the arm
length of the guide arms 181, 181, the relationship between the
inclination angle of the wind screen 51 and the inclination angle
of the sub screen 20 can be adjusted, and also a change of design
is easy.
[0095] While the present invention is described above based on the
embodiments, the present invention is not limited to them, but
various changes of design can be carried out. For example, while,
in the embodiments described above, the sub screen 20 is mounted
for rocking motion on the upper cowling 41 through the visor 25,
the mounting is not limited to this, but the sub screen 20 may be
mounted for rocking motion directly on the upper cowling 41. In
this instance, the sub screen 20 may be formed as part of the upper
cowling 41.
[0096] Further, since the sub screen 20 is smaller in size than the
wind screen 51 and besides is supported for rocking motion on the
upper cowling 41, even if the sub screen 20 is formed from a
non-transparent material, the visual observability of the driver
can be assured sufficiently, and the degree of freedom in design of
the sub screen 20 can be assured sufficiently.
[0097] Further, while, in the embodiments described above, the
present invention is applied to a screen for a motorcycle wherein
the wind screen 51 is driven by an electric motor, any other
driving source than the electric motor may be used, or the present
invention can be applied widely to a manual screen wherein the wind
screen 51 is operated manually and so forth.
[0098] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are intended to be included within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *